SKIP TO CONTENT

gamete

/ˈɡæmit/
IPA guide

Other forms: gametes

A gamete is the male or female reproductive cell that contains half the genetic material of the organism.

When two human gametes meet — that is, a sperm cell and an ovum — you get a zygote, a fertilized egg. And, if all goes well, that zygote will become a human baby.

Definitions of gamete
  1. noun
    a mature sexual reproductive cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes
    see moresee less
    types:
    anisogamete
    either of a pair of unlike gametes especially those unlike in size
    isogamete
    either of a pair of conjugating gametes of the same size and structure
    sperm, sperm cell, spermatozoan, spermatozoon
    the male reproductive cell; the male gamete
    egg cell, ovum
    the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
    spermatid
    an immature gamete produced by a spermatocyte; develops into a spermatozoon
    oosphere
    a gamete; used especially of lower plants
    antherozoid, spermatozoid
    a motile male gamete of a plant such as an alga or fern or gymnosperm
    egg
    animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
    ootid
    mature ovum after penetration by sperm but before the formation of a zygote
    ovule
    a small or immature ovum
    type of:
    germ cell, reproductive cell, sex cell
    a spermatozoon or an ovum; a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘gamete'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family